Harvard Heights/Pico Union Historic Area

Harvard Heights/Pico Union Historic Area

Harvard HeightsHPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) is a neighborhood characterized by the Arts and Crafts California Craftsman houses built on the heights southwest of Downtown L.A. primarily between 1902 and 1913. The large and somewhat grand scale of architecture is due to a land covenant that stipulated that houses built within the tract cost more than $2,500, a substantial sum at the turn of the century. The location of the only existing Greene and Greene designed house in the city of Los Angeles, the neighborhood also features the work of the famous Heineman brothers as well as notable West Adams architect Frank Tyler. Drawn to the area's abundance of classic architecture at affordable prices, many hip young singles and professional types, along with Bohemian and artistic types, have moved into the district in the last few years. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Harvard Heights is "a stately turn-of-the-century neighborhood that has been undergoing a restoration boom after decades of hard times. The exquisite woodwork, high ceilings, formal dining rooms, cozy inglenooks and stained-glass windows are some of the features that attract residents to the spacious two-story homes found in the area". The architecture of the neighborhood has also made the area a favorite for entertainment and film location scouts.

*Please note that the MLS/Claw does not categorize Historic Districts and, as such, some properties may be listed that are adjacent to the HPOZ neighborhoods or in the same zip code. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding the historic status of a home.

Recognizing the need to identify and protect neighborhoods with distinct architectural and cultural resources, the City of Los Angeles has developed an expansive program of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs). HPOZs, commonly known as historic districts, provide for review of proposed exterior alterations and additions to historic properties within designated districts.